forces in afghanistan. thank you all for your many years of great service to this nation and your willingness to serve once again let me extend our thanks to your families to support. i would invite each of you to introduce any family members or friends who may be here with you when you make your opening remarks. the general thurman nomination as the next commander of u.s. forces in korea comes at a time of significant change would simmering tension on the korean peninsula. our commitment to peace and stability in the region remains steadfast. our alliance with the republic of korea is as strong as ever. the strength of that alliance will be particularly important over the next few years as we embark on an ambitious realignment of our forces in the peninsula and the to do with the unpredictable and aggressive behavior of a north korean regime that continues to fall of the destructive path of an international pariah. general thurman's long experience in positions of leadership and maintaining well- trained e